Los Angeles, US, Sep 24 (EFE).- A tentative agreement reached by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Sunday looks to end the historic 146-day writers’ strike.
WGA (Writers Guild of America) members demonstrate in front of The Walt Disney Studios together with SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) members in Burbank, California, USA, 21 September 2023. EFE-EPA FILE/ETIENNE LAURENT
“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA said.
WGA (Writers Guild of America) member demonstrates holding a sign reading ‘Union Power’ in front of Netflix Headquarter together with SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) members in Los Angeles, California, USA, 21 September 2023. EFE-EPA FILE/ETIENNE LAURENT
The deal glimpses a light at the end of the tunnel for Hollywood, which has kept most of its productions on hold due to the stoppages, but the studios still have to negotiate with the striking actors’ union (SAG-AFTRA).
According to the online IndieWire, the WGA has made it clear that no screenwriter should return to work until the contract is ratified, but picketing has been suspended. However, the WGA did encourage the scriptwriters this week to join the actors on strike.
The WGA said that what was gained in the new contract, which was not specified, “is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.”
It asked for patience on Sunday, saying “what remains now is for our staff to make sure everything we have agreed to is codified in final contract language. And though we are eager to share the details of what has been achieved with you, we cannot do that until the last ‘i’ is dotted,” said the negotiating committee in a message to members, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The WGA began its strike on May 2 to demand for better working conditions, regulation of artificial intelligence and fair payments for streaming residuals. On July 14, the actors joined for similar reasons.
Throughout this time, scriptwriters and actors have gathered in front of the headquarters of the main studios.
The fact that neither the actors nor the writers could promote the projects in which they had participated delayed premieres of expected titles such as “Dune: Part Two” and “Challengers,” both scheduled for the second half of 2023 and which are now expected to premiere in 2024.
The actors’ union has not had any contact with the AMPTP since July 12, when negotiations for their collective agreement ended abruptly and without consensus.
It congratulated the screenwriters’ union this Sunday and made it clear that their strike continues.
“While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement.
“We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand.” EFE
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